Ask Dr. Potato

With 706 posts, chances are there's already an answer to your question. Please try searching below before submitting a question to Dr. Potato. Use multiple words to help narrow down the results. For example, search for "potatoes" and "group" if looking for an answer on cooking potatoes for large groups.

Q: I bought a bag of yellow No. 2 potatoes a few days ago on some of them it looks like the outside of the potato skin sort of peeled or flaky (like our skin when we peel after sun burn). The skin underneath looks fine, but I’m wondering if they are ok to eat.

Q: I know some of the reasons why Idaho russet potatoes make the best fresh-cut French fries (solids to water ratio, sugars, starches, etc.) but it would be especially helpful if you could compare Idaho russets to Kennebec and other potatoes people might use or consider for fries. The "nerdier" the better.

Q: In my extended circle of family and friends I am usually the one who volunteers to make potato salad for all the summertime events. Having just finished up with Memorial Day weekend, I found that the regulars at these get-togethers really love my Mom’s Southern Style Potato Salad. However, the younger generations in particular just look at this as “same old, same old” and often skip it. What can I do to jazz up the usual ingredients of Idaho Russet potatoes, salad dressing or mayonnaise, celery, onion, pickles, mustard, sliced hard boiled eggs with a little paprika sprinkled on top? I’m going to do this again for the Fourth of July and then there’s Labor Day weekend. Signed, I’m bored.

Q: I saw your earlier post and it got me thinking about my family recipe for Funeral Potatoes. Of course, I want to continue with the tradition, but wanted to also know what my options might be to personalize it for future generations or build upon a potato based casserole theme for any occasion. Do you have any suggestions?

The Idaho Potato Commission

Established in 1937, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is a state agency that is responsible for promoting and protecting the famous "Grown in Idaho®" seal, a federally registered trademark that assures consumers they are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho® potatoes. Idaho's ideal growing conditions, including rich, volcanic soil, climate and irrigation differentiate Idaho® potatoes from potatoes grown in other states.